Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has published a fresh draft notification for declaring parts of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), opening a 60-day window for the public, state governments and stakeholders to submit their objections and suggestions.
The latest proposal does not alter Goa’s coverage from the previous draft issued in July 2024. It continues to identify 1,461 square kilometres across 108 villages in the state for inclusion within the proposed eco-sensitive zone.
The notified area spans five talukas—Sattari (63 villages), Sanguem (26), Dharbandora (13), Canacona (5) and Ponda (1).
Goa’s proposed ESA forms part of a wider 56,825.7 sq km landscape covering portions of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Ministry said the final boundaries will be determined after considering feedback received from state governments, local stakeholders and the recommendations of an expert committee.
The draft aims to strengthen ecological protection in the Western Ghats while permitting activities that are compatible with environmental conservation.
Under the proposal, fresh mining, quarrying and sand extraction will not be permitted within the notified ESA. Existing mining operations will have to cease either when their leases expire or within five years from the date of the final notification, whichever occurs first.
The notification also proposes to disallow new thermal power projects, expansion of existing thermal plants, and the establishment of new Red Category industries, which are classified as highly polluting. Large construction and township developments beyond prescribed limits will also face restrictions.
At the same time, the draft makes it clear that routine activities of local communities will not be disrupted. Agriculture, plantation operations and ownership of private land will remain unaffected, while existing homes may be repaired, renovated or extended in accordance with applicable laws.
Hydroelectric projects, where proposed, will be subject to strict environmental safeguards, including cumulative impact assessments before approvals are considered.
The Ministry has further stated that all projects involving diversion of forest land must comply with the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, including obtaining the consent of Gram Sabhas wherever required.
The draft notification, published on July 27, 2026, will remain open for public consultation for 60 days. After examining the representations received, the Centre will take a final decision on notifying the Ecologically Sensitive Area in the Western Ghats.
